A snowboarder plunged to his death off a cliff while completing a world tour of ski spots.

Twenty-five-year-old Nicholas Baudains, of Northfield Road, Ringwood, was working as a holiday rep when he stumbled over a cliff edge at a luxury winter resort.

A Southampton inquest yesterday heard how the experienced snowboarder headed towards a stony cliff edge at the French resort of Bourg Saint Maurice. The thrill-seeking traveller was on his own so it is unclear how he fell.

The inquest heard how he struck his head on rocks during the fall, which knocked him unconscious instantly and caused his death.

During yesterday's inquest, mum Joanna Russell paid tribute to her son, who was preparing to join the police force on his return to England.

"He lived life to the full," she said. "He was just very, very happy and he loved what he did''.

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Coroner Keith Wiseman said: "What happened reflected his spirit of adventure.

"I cannot even say there was a mistake of some kind.

"His death reflects his life, if I can put it that way. I am sure that he is very much missed within the close family and I am sure by many other people as well."